High-speed rail operator Iryo prepares to launch in Spain
I do not like to use the word ‘unique’, but in the case of Spain it is true, where the government openly invites foreign rail operators to operate high-speed services on the Spanish network in competition with the national company Renfe.
For many months we have been reporting on these developments. We have described how SNCF inaugurates Ouigo ES and how Renfe responded with Avlo.
Now it’s the turn of Iryo, which will be launched in a few weeks according to Spanish railway media.
Iryo’s inaugural viaje will be on November 21 between Madrid and Valencia https://t.co/U4f8vmQi7M a span of @rtve
— Rail Press News (@RailPressNews) November 9, 2022
Iryo is supported by Italian Trenitalia and Air Nostrum. It will deploy Frecciarossa 1000 units and is a member of ALL RAIL which represents new market entrants.
Services begin on November 25 linking Madrid with Barcelona and Zaragoza.
From December 16 services will include Valencia and Cuenca, and from March 31, 2023 the plan is to serve Seville, Malaga, Antequera and Cordoba.
Alicante and Albacete are set to follow on June 2 next year.
At this point some readers might wonder why UK rail is not opening. While British rail secures the investments of foreign railway companies, the rolling stock of the latter is incompatible with our restricted gauge.
Finally, note that timetables and reservations for the above operators can be found with the neutral portal Trainline.
Unlike UK rail, where all operators must display all fares (including those of competitors), this requirement does not apply in mainland Europe.
